Senator Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, has claimed that locals are responsible for the majority of kidnappings and violence in Ekpoma, located in Esan West Local Government Area.
In a recent statement, Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo alleged that many individuals involved in criminal activities in Ekpoma, within Esan West Local Government Area, are actually locals. He specifically pointed to kidnappings and violence as crimes predominantly carried out by people from the community itself.
This claim comes amid ongoing security challenges in the region, highlighting the internal nature of some threats. Okpebholo's remarks underscore the need for community involvement in addressing these issues, as external factors may not be the sole drivers of unrest.
The governor's allegation was reported on January 15, 2026, by Daily Trust, emphasizing the local dimension of crime in Ekpoma.
